If you have a missing a tooth, you may be trying to decide whether or not to replace it using a dental implant or a dental bridge. Although both dental appliances restore the appearance your teeth or smile, a dental implant may be better for your oral health. Here are a few reasons why:
A dental implant helps maintain the density of your jawbone.
In order for a jawbone to be stimulated to produce more bone cells, it must receive bite pressure as you chew. This occurs naturally as long as a natural tooth is in place because the bite pressure is transferred from the crown of the tooth to the tooth root where it is relegated to the jaw bone. This same transfer of bite pressure occurs with a dental implant, since the implant screw rests inside the jawbone.
However, no transfer of bite pressure occurs with a false tooth of a dental bridge. The false tooth is suspended at the gum line and is not connected to the underlined jawbone.
A dental implant does not damage natural teeth.
When a dental implant is placed, the surgical application is performed at the site of the missing tooth, but no damage occurs to adjacent teeth. This is not the case for a dental bridge.
A dental bridge is comprised of two dental crowns on each end and a false tooth suspended between the crowns. The bridge crowns must be bonded to the teeth that border your gap in order to secure the bridge in place. Still, the teeth on which the bridge crowns will be placed must be debrided or shaved down in order to allow the crowns to be properly affixed without altering your dental alignment.
A dental implant can be cleaned in the same manner as a natural tooth.
You can brush and floss the crown of a dental implant in the same manner as you would a natural tooth. However, as you clean a dental bridge and the gums around it, it is important to floss the area beneath the false tooth. The space between the false tooth and the gums can trap particles of food that may inflame the gums and promote gum disease.
If you have a missing tooth, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area to discuss your tooth replacement options. He or she can tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for a dental implant. Contact a business, such as Gordon Dental, for more information.
Share